Monday 25 August 2014

The Big Weave in the Mournes

On Friday the Big Weave in the Mournes came to Rathfriland. The exhibition and demonstration was held in what used to be the Bank of Ireland building in the Town Square. This lovely old building has recently been refurbished and renamed Chandler's House. This isn't just a random name for the building; before being used as a bank there was a candle-making business located here.

Anyway, back to the Big Weave. Basically there is a group of weavers making their round various small towns so that local people can see how the Mourne Tapestry is being constructed and also so local people can actually take part in the weaving.

Of course, I had to have a go at the weaving. There were pictures to show us what we were trying to achieve. By the way, that stunning crocheted table cloth was just draped there as something to set other bits and pieces on!


Here is the picture of the section that I worked on.


I worked on the sea part to the bottom left hand side. It was great fun weaving the mix of blue and green wool around the warp threads. Two people can work together on each section of the tapestry, one from the front and one from the back. I only had time to do this little bit.


There were some small hand looms to try out your weaving skills if you didn't want to do any on the main tapestry.


What really got me excited were these little peg looms. They are so incredibly easy to use and also incredibly fast. It would be possible to make a bag or table mat in a very short time compared to crocheting the same thing.


There were some examples of items made on the peg looms. Aren't the colours gorgeous? You can weave with strips of fabric as well, as I learnt when I was trying it out. The looms come in different widths so it is possible to make something much wider than these examples.


This is something I think I will have to take up. So many ideas just rushed into my head all at once! A rag rug is something I'd really love to make. I was so excited by it that I went home and brought the husband to see too! The looms are available to buy online but they would also be very easy to make. So that's a wee job for the husband now that the gardening chores will be taking up a lot less time.

There were also some landscape applique type wall hangings in progress. Have a look at what I mean.


Those are lazy beds running in rows in front of the cottages. This is another craft I'd love to get involved in but the class is held on a weekday afternoon which, unfortunately, doesn't suit me.

So, will you be reading about my finished weaving projects soon? I think you just might!

Bye for now.

19 comments:

  1. Fascinating!! I have never seen or heard of peg looms before, but you can make some amazing things obviously. xx

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  2. So great and so glorious colors, weaving look like fun.

    Good Tuesday from Marit.

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  3. Hello Gillian,

    Like Amy, I've never seen or heard of peg looms before, but what fabulous, amazing makes. Is that a scarf I spy in the above picture? it will be so cosy and warm

    I absolutely love the landscape applique, the colours and design are stunning.

    Yes Gillian I only make Christmas cards for special people,

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful pictures.

    luv
    irene
    xxxx

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    1. Yes that's a very cosy, colourful scarf.

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  4. What a fantastic thing to be part of, it looks like a lot of fun too.
    Marianne x

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  5. What a great project! But o-oh, another craft activity calling my name! I look forward to seeing the new loom
    Caz xx

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  6. What a fantastic idea - a traveling project. Where will it rest when it is all finished? And what sort of group started this project. Great fun!

    I, also, have not heard of peg looms but you can be sure I'll be checking them out. Thank you for posting and for the great photos.

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    1. The project is in association with the Mourne Mountains Landscape Partnership. So far I haven't been able to find out where the finished tapestries will rest. I'll keep on trying to find out the information.

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  7. Hi Gillian, I think you have been very lucky to had the chance to visit such an exciting and interesting exhibition! Looks like a lot of fun! Since my summer visit at Fred Aldous in Manchester where I came across a small weaving loom (I had one as a child), and my oldest daughter graduating around the same time (She did a textile crafts and design course which also featured weaving!), I have been thinking I would love to do some again, just for fun. Everywhere on blogs I have been seeing people doing their own wall hangings, very inspiring! And now you mention peg looms!!! I have got one, I need to find it (since moving here a lot of things are in storage as space is limited). I found the place where I bought it, a little craft shop on the way to Lichfield (I used to drive past there and pop in, the people are really very nice and friendly). I found a link for you: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennys-Crafts-Soft-Furnishings/185611371589693
    The husband actually makes these peg looms and I bought mine there! I think it was quite reasonably priced for something completely handmade! (There is a contact email, perhaps they might do mail order?) Hope this might be of use to you or anybody else reading this.
    I'm also loving the picture with the applique, how lovely!!! :)
    Thanks for such an interesting post!!!
    Love, Ingrid xx
    http://myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be

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    1. Thanks for the link Ingrid - I'll have a look at those peg looms.

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    2. They have peg looms 3' wide, 2' wide or 1' wide or will make any custom size.

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  8. I'm not a very crafty person but the results of those weaving projects are just beautiful, I'm sure my daughter would love a go at the peg looms - she's always wanting to create something!

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    1. Using the peg loom is extremely easy - I couldn't believe how easy it was!

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  9. Bonjour Gillian. In French : des doigts de fée! It's so beautiful ! I'm impress by the peg looms.
    Lucie

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  10. Very interesting. My mother-in-law is a weaver and I enjoy looking around at her looms but haven't tried much weaving myself.

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    1. I'd love to have a proper loom and be able to weave. But I don't really have time at the minute to be able to do it justice. A peg loom would be a good start into weaving and I think I'll get one and give it a go.

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  11. It is lovely to find a new craft to be inspired by isn't it? Your post is very interesting, and I love the idea of a travelling project. The applique picture looks lovely too. Enjoy your weaving plans and loom-finding!
    Helen xox

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  12. Hi Gillian, thanks for your interesting post! My children visit a Waldorf school and they will learn how to weave when they'll attend senior classes. The school owns 3 proper looms and I have seen many, many projects older students have already woven. I can't wait until my kids will have they weaving lessons, hopefully I am allowed to attend their classes as a guest. It is such a wonderful craft! Have a nice evening, Viola

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    1. That's fantastic that your kids will learn to weave.

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